Tsele Natsok Rangdrol is renowned in the Kagyu and Nyingma schools of Tibetan Buddhism for his brilliant scholarship, profound exposition, and meditative accomplishment. Comprised of two of his most important texts, this collection presents four essential Buddhist strands of philosophical viewpoint and meditation technique: the teachings of the Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom) body of literature; the philosophy of the Middle Way; Mahamudra meditation; and Dzogchen teachings and practice.

The theme of these teachings is that in every person's heart, mind, and spirit there is an identical essence that makes that person a living Buddha. The focus is on how to realize that essence through "effortless" training based on the four techniques. Since the training is unbound by cultural or temporal limitations, the truth the book conveys is as valuable today as it was in centuries past. This system has been applied by people from many walks of life, giving them a simple method to not only withstand life's challenges but to transcend them. This redesigned edition of The Heart of the Matter and Lamp of Mahamudra features illuminating introductions and a new foreword, bringing Rangdrol's timeless message to contemporary seekers.

Tsele Natsok Rangdrol's (born c. 1608) writings are considered critical tools for the modern student of non-conceptual meditation practice, in particular those who pursue the paths of Mahamudra and Dzogchen.

Erik Pema Kunsang is an online columnist for Tricycle magazine and editor in chief of the Dharma Dictionary. He lives in Knebel, Denmark.